Genome Explorers visit Academy

Key Stage 3 students and local primary schools were visited by Cambridge Science Centre.

Students in Year 7 and 8 at Cleethorpes Academy took part in the STEM event to encourage more students to think about pursuing careers in STEM subjects.

All students across both year groups had a chance to participate in the event.

Peter Wharton (Y8) said: “I learnt a lot from the workshop. They showed us a lot more about the topic and how it all works. I found the evolution part really interesting and it was all explained so clearly.”

Cambridge Science Centre are a charity who focus on providing high-quality community and school outreach programmes.

Mario and Freya gave a workshop to the secondary school pupils demonstrating evolution, genomes and DNA.

They used visual and hands on learning to explain different aspects of evolution, how mutations occur and why we all have different characteristics.

Charlie Gibbons (Y8) added: “I think it’s great that other people come into our school to do things like this. It makes a change from just sitting in a classroom learning about it and I found it really helpful.”

Vice Principal, Paul Kaylow said: “We were so pleased to have the team with us for these workshops. The high-quality show and workshops were engaging and interactive. It allowed the students to improve their understanding and nurture their love of science whilst driving their aspirations in STEM subjects.”

The team also delivered their newest show, ‘Genome Explorers’ workshop for several primary schools on the site of Cleethorpes Academy.

The show explores the importance of DNA in the real world and is supported by Illumina Corporate Foundation to present to primary and secondary students.

Year 5 pupils from Middlethorpe Academy watched and participated in the science roadshow, which explained exactly what DNA is and how it forms all living things.

They helped Mario show the different parts of plant cells and how DNA and genomes work in our own bodies.

One pupil commented: “I had a great time today. The show with Mario was really interesting and I think I understand things a lot better. I like that we could all get involved.”

Freya then took the primary pupils off for a DNA workshop.

She asked them to spot the differences between two varieties of the same species and explained how inheritance of genes and characteristics works.

The pupils then had to choose different characteristics for their make-believe creatures using the random generator.

These characteristics were then put to the test over years of changing weather, new species being introduced, viruses and much more, resulting in the creatures adapting to survive or being driven to extinction.

One pupil said: “I was really excited that my creature had long legs, pointy teeth and blue fur, but this meant that they were never going to make it in the changing environment. I loved the workshop.”

The pupils also got to try out the different experiments brought into the school. There were games, puzzles and lots of brain teasers for them to try out.

Paul Kaylow added: “We are very pleased that we are able to offer programmes such as this, as well as helping us build a relationship with potential students who may choose to attend Cleethorpes Academy when they leave primary school.”